I now occupied myself in preparing a paper on the psychological
evolution of the ape, which I hoped to be able to place with another
publisher, and which, had it ever been finished, I cannot doubt would
have succeeded; but circumstances intervened before the completion of
the last pages, which compelled me to relinquish my work, and so the
world must suffer. I continued my labor steadily for more than a week,
and then began looking anxiously for my brother’s return, and took
several long walks in the direction from which I believed he would be
coming; but I did not meet him, and returned home, each time a little
disheartened. During these evenings I retired early, having no one for
company, and not being able to afford outside amusement. At the end of
ten days I had been so economical that I was quite satisfied with the
standing of my finances, and felt lighter-hearted than at any time since
arriving. Still I had found nothing to do but write, and the future was
uncertain.
Sunday morning was dark and gloomy, and it having been nearly two weeks
since Torrence had left, I began to wonder with increased anxiety what
had become of him. I had a right to expect him by now, but had neither
seen nor heard a word from him since his departure. Could anything have
happened? I did not believe it, and knowing how averse he was to letter
writing, set it down to the fact that he was busy; and I sincerely hoped
profitably so. Still I passed the day in gloomy forebodings, and
resolved to go to Gravesend the following morning. That night, however,
as I was going to my room, the servant handed me a letter, and I did not
realize until I had read it, how anxious I was becoming. The letter ran
as follows:
"20 NARROW LANE, GRAVESEND.
Sunday Morning.
"DEAR GURT: Sorry, but can’t get over to-day as I expected. Will try
and come before next Lord’s day. How’s the book? Keep your mouth
straight, and don’t get discouraged,
Yours, "TORRY."
It wasn’t much of a letter, but it was better than nothing, and I was
thankful for it. I put it in my pocket, and gave up all thought of
Gravesend for the present. Evidently Torrence had found something to
occupy him, and I didn’t believe he was a man to work long for nothing,
but felt provoked that he had not told me what it was. True, I had
never written to him, which he had told me to do in Wetherbee’s care,
should there be anything to write about; but as there wasn’t I felt
justified in my silence. However, I should now see him soon, and
comforted myself with the thought that all was well.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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